Aidan of Oren: The Elf Princess

After reading the first few pages of this book I couldn't put it down. I was taken into the world of fantasy land. This book is like reading a Harry Potter book, it is so good! I am also hoping that it will be made into a movie so I could eat my popcorn and see the elves and other characters on the "Big Screen". If you have children they will love this book! If you are a child at heart such as myself you will love this book!

I read The Elf Princess to my 7-year old and he hung on every word, the same as he did in the first book of the trilogy, Aiden of Oren. I have to be honest -- it wasn't just my son who loved it. Each night I wanted to read ahead to find out what was going to happen (but I didn't, honest). The story is truely compelling and we both have become so involved in the characters as they are so well developed through both books. The storyline is just right for vivid imaginations and anyone who likes to root for a worthy hero. It's a real page turner.

The second book in the Aidan of Oren trilogy, The Elf Princess, continues the adventures of Aidan, a[...]on a quest to save his country of Lionsgate from a dark force threatening its demise. He is joined by Lilly, a beautiful twelve year old who is wise beyond her years, and [..]McKenzie, an angelic yet feisty little warrior; both have vowed to accompany Aidan as all of their destinies unfold. Charles, Aidan's irascible pet falcon, and Damon, a white baby dragon whom the children befriended in the first book in the series, Aidan of Oren: The Journey Begins, also add excitement and provide invaluable interconnections to the trilogy's plot. The Elf Princess finds the children in the Valley of the Elves, a crucial stop along the way to find the guardians of old. Aidan, Lilly, and McKenzie are seeking the aid of the ancient guardians but first must learn of their whereabouts from the elves and their beautiful, seemingly nurturing princess Lira. But, all is not as it appears in the Valley of the Elves! Who or what is the Dark Shadow that is a source of great heartbreak for the elves? What is the origin and purpose of the mysterious dragon chest Aidan first encounters in his beloved grandmama's room but now discovers in the chambers of a strange, oversized rodent? Who is the horrifically ugly Elijah, and what are his intentions? How is it that Mt. Zir, a mountain which has been completely obliterated in Aidan's homeland, now stands proudly in the Valley of the Elves? Will Damon, the white dragon prophesied about to battle the dark force, survive? Will Charles cast aside his cowardly ways to become "more than what he is"? The book abounds in twists and turns that will keep readers in suspense from chapter to chapter. The Elf Princess and its predecessor provide a charming introduction to the fantasy genre. Though not as complex in their exploration of the Welsh Mabinogian legends, dragonology, and wizardry as the works of Susan Cooper, Jane Yolen, or Ursula LeGuin, this book and its companion are not merely surface treatments of the good vs. evil theme. Teachers will find plentiful material for the development of mini-lessons involving rich character development, thematic interconnections, themes within a theme, plot twists and intricacies, and even reading the story for its allegorical implications. But, literature lessons aside, the books are just plain great reads! The Elf Princess is highly readable for upper elementary students yet also appealing to middle schoolers. My sixth graders have immensely enjoyed the first two books. When I stop reading aloud at critical points in the plot, they often chant a suspense-filled "Dun, dun, dun!" in anticipation of what is to come! When Charles is being particularly exasperating, they shout "KFC - Kentucky Fried Charles!", indicating what they think should happen to such a cowardly creature! Our middle school recently hosted Mr. St. Jean for a four day author visit (which I HIGHLY recommend